Emirates, the largest international airline globally, has recently joined the Move to -15°C global coalition, marking a significant milestone as the first airline to do so. This move signifies Emirates’ commitment to revolutionizing frozen food transportation and reducing energy consumption in the supply chain. The initiative was launched at COP28 in the UAE and aims to set new standards for frozen food temperature management, with the potential to make a substantial environmental impact without compromising on food quality and safety.

The coalition, established in 2023 following the release of the Three Degrees of Change report, includes key players such as global logistics firm DP World and experts from prestigious institutions like the International Institute of Refrigeration, University of Birmingham, and London South Bank University. By uniting various industry partners, the coalition aims to turn research into action by sharing data, implementing operational changes, collaborating with stakeholders, and influencing policymakers.

Emirates’ decision to join the global coalition highlights its dedication to leveraging its expertise, especially within the Emirates SkyCargo division, to reshape the future of frozen food logistics. With perishables being a significant part of its cargo operations, carrying an impressive amount of fresh produce worldwide daily, Emirates aims to apply its unique cool chain infrastructure and innovative solutions to drive sustainability in the industry.

Dennis Lister, Senior Vice President of Product and Innovation at Emirates SkyCargo, expressed the airline’s enthusiasm for the Move to -15°C coalition, emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration and technological advancements in shaping the future of food logistics. Such partnerships, like the one with the coalition, underline Emirates’ commitment to sustainable practices that transcend its own operations and influence the wider industry.

Thomas Eskesen, Chairman of the Move to -15°C Coalition, applauded Emirates’ involvement, recognizing the airline's pivotal role in the global cold chain. Eskesen stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in achieving ambitious climate goals and welcomed Emirates’ proactive stance towards driving meaningful change through industry unity.

In alignment with its sustainability objectives, Emirates has also partnered with the Aviation Impact Accelerator and invested in the airline’s $200 million Sustainability Fund. These initiatives underscore Emirates’ holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges in commercial aviation, along with its involvement in The Solent Cluster for reducing CO2 emissions and promoting low-carbon fuels. As Emirates continues to lead by example, its commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship remains steadfast in driving positive impacts across the aviation sector.